North Carolina: Rouzer Calls for Recount in Race Against McIntyre

Rouzer is requesting a recount in the only House race still outstanding from the Nov. 6 elections. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Republican state Sen. David Rouzer, who trails North Carolina Rep. Mike McIntyre by 655 votes, is requesting a recount in the last House race yet to be decided after the Nov. 6 elections.

“Considering this is the closest Congressional race in the country and in light of the irregularity previously found in Bladen County, which significantly reduced the vote margin at that time, I have decided to request a mandatory recount of the votes cast in the 7th Congressional District as allowed by law,” Rouzer said in a statement. “In a race this close, accidental human error could easily change the outcome. It is important to ensure that every legal vote cast is properly and accurately counted.”

McIntyre, a Blue Dog Democrat, declared victory on Nov. 16 after a recanvassing effort gave him the 655-vote lead. Rouzer faced a noon deadline on Tuesday to ask for a recount.

A combined $6 million in outside money was spent by Democrats and Republicans in the 7th District, making it one of the more expensive and hard-fought races in the country. Republican-led redistricting made McIntyre’s district more Republican, but his strategy focused on emphasizing his conservative bona fides.

The North Carolina race is the last that is still outstanding after Election Day. Rep. Allen B. Westconceded his defeat earlier on Tuesday, becoming the 26th House member defeated on Nov. 6. One more House contest will be decided by a December runoff in Louisiana.